Lois Raynor Davis of Remsenburg died on November 3, 2019, after a short illness. She was 97.
Born September 1, 1922, she was the first of two daughters of Eloise Rogers Raynor and Halsey Jacob Raynor. She was raised in Remsenburg and attended school in Westhampton Beach, where she witnessed the 1938 hurricane from the former Six Corners school. Following high school, she attended Keuka College and obtained a bachelor’s degree in botany. She took a particular interest in ornithology, earning her the nickname “Birdy.”
Her initial job was with the Museum of Natural History where she catalogued biologic specimens. She later returned to Remsenburg and taught high school biology during World War II. She met Lloyd O. Davis, who would become her husband in 1948, at a dance at Mechanics Hall in Westhampton Beach (now the Mill Roadhouse). She retired from teaching full time to assist with construction of their new home in Remsenburg, next to the family homestead, but continued to substitute teach for many years.
She and her husband raised three daughters, Chary Davis Griffin, Stephanie O. Davis, and Louisa Davis-Freeman, who grew up on the family homestead. She developed beautiful gardens in her yard and shared her love and knowledge of plants with her daughters. She became a trustee for the Westhampton Free Library while raising her daughters, which helped them have an early interest in books.
Once the youngest daughter was in high school, she returned to school, earning a master gardener certificate from the Cornell Cooperative Extension, and then worked as a lecturer, writer and for a local gardening business. Through these activities she met Judge Harold Medina, who hired her to restore his wife’s gardens to their former glory. Later in life she was active in local civic affairs and was a founding member of the Speonk-Remsenburg Civic Association, which formed when an incinerator was proposed for Speonk. She was also active in the Remsenburg Community Church, taking particular pride in oversight of the cemetery. She had a keen interest in local history and was a recognized expert in local families, properties and events, and shared her knowledge freely with anyone who was interested. She remained fascinated with birds throughout her life, feeding them throughout the year at her home.
She is survived by her daughters and their families.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Werner-Rothwell Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach.
Memorial donations may be made to East End Hospice, the Remsenburg Community Church, or a charity of your choice.
27east on Nov 11, 2019